Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Rigging Your NuCanoe Unlimited for Waterfowl: What to Remember

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Duck seasons around the country are soon to be opening (and some waterfowl seasons already are) and there’s not a better paddle-powered craft out there than the NuCanoe Unlimited to get you into it.

Shallow on the draft, available in cryptic colorways, stable and with tons of room for gear, the Unlimited is the quintessential small craft for duck hunting, whether on a marsh or in flooded timber.

Either way, here are a few things to keep in mind if you decide you’ll be going after the ducks from the water this year.

Remember to Stay Hidden

Staying hidden is paramount to success, and fortunately the NuCanoe Unlimited is produced in a variety of camo-esque colorways that can help you stay hidden.

But remember, that’s just the boat, and there are other things you can do to obscure it, too. For one, consider cutting some grass, reeds or tree limbs and using them to hide your boat.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re properly concealed using an effective camo pattern given the season and environment – and don’t forget to cover your hands and face. Ducks can see “shiny” skin a mile off.

What Else to Bring?

This is a very short list and in no way covers everything you should bring with you when you’re waterfowl hunting, but all the same, it is a good place to start.

Here are some of the most important essentials.

  • Warm waterproof clothing: This is non-negotiable. You need clothing that will protect you not only from the cold but also potentially from the water. Wool clothing is a good bet as even if it gets wet it can still keep you warm. Make sure it is appropriately rated for the conditions, too.
  • Decoys: One of the great things about the NuCanoe Unlimited is that it has so much room, not only in front of but behind the cockpit, for storing essential gear. Decoys take up a lot of room but unless you’re jump-shooting, you’ll need to have them with you.
  • More shells than you think you need: What you don’t want is to have a good hunt ruined because you didn’t bring enough ammo. When the ducks are cooperating, you don’t want to meet them with an empty chamber. Make sure you bring a second box, just as a reserve.
  • Water: Dehydration can happen, even in the winter, and especially when you’re bundled up. Bring at least a quart of water out there with you.
  • Floating gun case: This is better, for obvious reasons, than a case that doesn’t float.
  • More than one call: One of the tricks to calling ducks (in addition to sounding realistic) is having more than one type and timbre of call that can convince ducks there’s more than one down there telling them to stop on by.
  • Paddle leash: You don’t want to be “up a creek”…
  • Toilet paper: Useful for emergencies.
  • Life jacket: The water is cold during waterfowl seasons and cold water is a killer. A life jacket is a must-have.
  • GPS: You may know your marsh or woods like the back of your hand but it’s still good to have a lifeline.
  • Knives: Not just necessary for cleaning your harvest, but for a million and one other jobs in the field. Make sure you don’t just carry one.

Here for the NuCanoe Unlimited?

Still in the market for a paddlecraft like the NuCanoe Unlimited that you intend to use for hunting and trying to get one before your season gets into full swing?

Check out No Bad Days Kayak. They carry a wide range of fishing kayaks and several of them, like the Unlimited, are also great for hunting. Take a look through their inventory and get in touch with them at 512-229-0560 if you have questions or need recommendations.

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